Feds say Chevron pipeline must remain shut off

SALT LAKE CITY — The federal regulatory agency overseeing pipeline safety issued a "corrective action order" against Chevron on Wednesday, preventing the pipeline from resuming service until the company crafts a plan that meets safety regulations.

In addition, Chevron will have to draw up and execute short- and long-term plans that specifically address ways to prevent a similar leak to that of the Dec. 1 incident near Red Butte Gardens.

The order comes on the same day Gov. Gary Herbert said he fully supports Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker's efforts to keep Chevron's pipeline idle until all safety concerns have been answered.

"For too many Utahns, this second spill brings back memories of the first situation, and it is unacceptable," said his spokeswoman, Angie Welling.

"The governor has been clear that all concerns must be fully addressed before the pipeline reopens."

Welling added that immediately after discovery of the second spill, Herbert directed representatives of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and its Division of Water Quality to the site to monitor activities and update him with reports.

Water sampling results released by the state on Tuesday show that although some trace elements of petroleum product were found in the creek in the first round of testing, officials believe it was result of compounds becoming airborne and then being deposited. Subsequent sampling showed no presence of oil.

Those developments came on the heels of a Monday meeting in Washington, D.C., between Becker and officials of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Becker asked for an independent review of the pipeline by a pipeline safety expert who is expected to make an analysis of the structure's integrity apart from Chevron's own inspection or any federal agency analysis.

Becker said that plan will require an exhaustive review of the line, including a thorough evaluation of the condition of the 60-year-old pipe and whether its route through sensitive watershed areas is appropriate.

"We want to communicate and arrive at an approach that will give our community the safety assurances we need," Becker said. "To that end, we will be seeking expert, independent consultation to combine with the recommendations of our local prevention work group."